Microlens Array Fluorescence Microscope for Ultrathin Field Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopes are expensive, bulky, and inefficient in observing complex structures and acquiring high-resolution images, particularly in field diagnostic applications where they often require frequent filter replacements and are not cost-effective for detecting specific target materials in small biological samples.
Innovation Solution
A microlens array-based ultrathin microscope is designed using a semiconductor-manufactured camera and filter, featuring a filter unit and image unit on a transparent substrate with a microlens array, allowing for high-resolution imaging and multiple spectrum image collection, suitable for various substrates and diagnostic applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional microscope is used for field diagnosis, then accurate examination can be performed, but the device is bulky, expensive, and requires frequent filter replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional microscope system is segmented into functional components: a transparent substrate holding multiple fluorescence filters, a microlens array for light focusing, and a camera for image capture. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and manufactured separately, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining examination accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent substrate integrates multiple fluorescence filters that can detect multiple types of fluorescence simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for frequent filter replacements required by conventional microscopes, reducing operational complexity while maintaining accurate examination capabilities across different diagnostic scenarios
2Measurement precision
If a conventional microscope is used for detecting target materials, then detection can be performed, but the volume is large and price is high
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent substrate acts as a thin film structure that integrates multiple fluorescence filters in a compact form. This thin-film approach dramatically reduces the volume required for filter housing compared to conventional microscopes, enabling portable field diagnostic devices while maintaining detection precision through the integrated multi-filter system
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fluorescence filters are merged onto a single transparent substrate, and the microlens array is positioned in direct contact with or close proximity to the substrate. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate filter wheels or complex optical paths, reducing overall device volume while preserving detection capability through the integrated optical system
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fluorescence detection is performed with conventional microscope, then comprehensive analysis is possible, but filters must be replaced frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent substrate integrates multiple fluorescence filters (e.g., DAPI, FITC, TRITC, Alexa Fluor filters) that can detect multiple types of fluorescence simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows comprehensive analysis of different biological markers in a single imaging session, eliminating the need for frequent filter replacements and saving significant time in diagnostic workflows
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The ultrathin microscope provides high versatility and cost-effectiveness, enabling field diagnosis and multiple imaging with high-resolution fluorescent image generation, suitable for diagnosing multiple diseases and analyzing biological, environmental, and chemical samples.
Implementation Method 1
an image unit configured to acquire an image from light transmitted by the filter unit, wherein the filter unit is formed to be in contact with or spaced apart from one surface of a transparent substrate in which the microlens array is formed
Implementation Method 2
a filter unit configured to selectively transmit fluorescence manifested in a measurement sample
Implementation Method 3
the bandpass filter may transmit the fluorescence manifested in the measurement sample and block the light of an illumination unit
Implementation Method 4
an image sensor configured to collect image information of the microlens array
Data Source
AI summary
A microlens array-based ultrathin microscope is provided. The microlens array-based ultrathin microscope includes a filter unit configured to selectively transmit fluorescence manifested in a measurement sample, and an image unit configured to acquire an image from light transmitted by the filter unit. The filter unit is formed to be in contact with or spaced apart from one surface of a transparent substrate, and the image unit includes a microlens array formed on an opposite surface to the transparent substrate in which the filter unit is formed, and an image sensor configured to collect image information of the microlens array.